Visit Scotland | Alba
Article published 12/09/2024

In just one month’s time, the picturesque town of Oban will be bustling with the lively sights and unmissable sounds of the Royal National Mòd as the prestigious event makes its return to the town.

The premier Scottish cultural event will be held between 11-19 October 2024, and the people of Oban and its surrounding areas, who are hosting the celebrations for the 17th time, are gearing up to make it one to remember.

With competition entry levels up by almost a third from last year’s Paisley edition, the 2024 edition of the Gaelic event will see competitor numbers back up at pre-Covid levels, and Oban residents, businesses and musicians are all ready to welcome the country’s Gaels and Gaelic supporters with open arms.

L-R Ewen Henderson and Gary Innes of Mànran launch the Mòd an Òbain 2024 fringe programme. Credit: Elaine Livingstone

What you can expect at this year’s event

Thousands are expected to flock to the Argyll town of Oban to enjoy the jam-packed programme of thrilling competitions, concerts, workshops, ceilidhs and unique fringe events, with participants travelling from across Scotland and beyond to compete in disciplines including singing, bàrdachd, instrumental, drama and Highland Dancing.

Proceedings will get underway on Friday 11 October when multi award-winning trad supergroup Mànran wow audiences with an electrifying concert at Corran Halls. Across the week there will be concerts, exhibitions, book launches, children’s activities, sporting events and more taking place as part of the event’s fringe programme, before Celtic sensations Trail West close the party on Saturday 19 October.

This year’s Royal National Mòd in Oban is supported by EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Argyll and Bute Council, EventScotland, The Scottish Government, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, Creative Scotland and SQA.

Events play an important role in our communities and Oban will provide the perfect stage as the Royal National Mòd returns to its historic home this October.

As Scotland’s premier Gaelic cultural event, it will deliver positive social, economic and cultural impacts for the community while also providing the chance for everyone involved to connect, enjoy and share memorable experiences.

We are proud to be continuing our support of the Royal National Mòd and we look forward to celebrating Scotland’s Gaelic culture in one month’s time.

Rebecca Edser, Head of EventScotland

How businesses can get involved

The Oban Mòd local committee are hosting a series of Gaelic workshops for local business owners and their staff to ensure they can provide people with the warmest and most familiar welcome possible. Furan Gaelic Centre and Mòd an Òbain have partnered up to provide the complimentary taster sessions in the Corran Halls, the Mòd’s flagship venue, with a host of local businesses taking part and brushing up on their Gaelic phrases.

Local businesses in and around Oban will also be invited to take part in a window dressing competition in the run up to the Mòd, with premises coming alive with the look and feel of the cultural phenomenon.

For more information, contact An Comunn Gàidhealach, organisers of the Royal National Mòd®

Visit the An Comunn Gàidhealach website

Pipers performing on the closing day of The Royal National Mòd 2022 in Perth. Credit: Elaine Livingstone

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